Senior Penetration Tester - CHECK Team Leader (CTL) in Manchester

At UBDS, we help organisations transform through cloud, cyber security, AI and digital innovation. As our Cyber Security capability continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced CHECK Team Leader specialising in Infrastructure Penetration Testing to join our Security Testing team. This is a hands-on, customer-facing consultancy role focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure penetration testing and security assessments across complex customer environments, including Government, Defence and other regulated sectors. You will lead technical engagements, identify security vulnerabilities, assess potential business impact and provide practical remediation guidance. You'll also support the development of our security testing capability, working alongside experienced penetration testers, cyber security consultants and wider technical teams.

What You'll Do

• Lead and deliver infrastructure penetration testing engagements in accordance with NCSC CHECK requirements and recognised industry methodologies.
• Conduct internal and external infrastructure penetration tests across enterprise networks, systems and services.
• Assess Windows, Linux, Active Directory and associated enterprise infrastructure for security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
• Perform network security assessments, including vulnerability identification, exploitation and validation.
• Assess network segmentation, authentication mechanisms, access controls and infrastructure security configurations.
• Conduct security testing across cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments where appropriate.
• Lead the technical scoping, planning and delivery of penetration testing engagements.
• Identify, analyse and clearly document vulnerabilities, attack paths and associated risks.
• Produce high-quality technical reports with clear findings, risk ratings and actionable remediation recommendations.
• Present findings to customers, translating technical vulnerabilities into meaningful business and security risks.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and quality assurance to other penetration testers.
• Support the development and improvement of testing methodologies, tooling and reporting standards.
• Work closely with customers, security teams and internal stakeholders to ensure successful engagement delivery.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of UBDS's penetration testing and wider cyber security capabilities.

What We're Looking For

• Current NCSC CHECK Team Leader status for Infrastructure Penetration Testing.
• Strong hands-on experience delivering infrastructure penetration testing engagements.
• Experience leading technical penetration testing engagements and working directly with customers.
• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, operating systems and enterprise security.
• Experience testing Windows, Linux, Active Directory and network-based services.
• Strong knowledge of common infrastructure vulnerabilities, attack techniques and exploitation methods.
• Experience with internal and external network penetration testing.
• Understanding of networking protocols, routing, switching, firewalls and network security.
• Experience using industry-standard penetration testing tools and frameworks.
• Strong technical reporting skills, including clear documentation of vulnerabilities, risks and remediation recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or mentoring other penetration testers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage engagements independently while maintaining high standards of technical delivery.

Desirable Experience

• Experience across some of the following would be beneficial: Penetration testing within UK Government, Defence or other regulated environments.
• Active Directory security assessments and internal network attack-path analysis.
• Cloud infrastructure security testing across Microsoft Azure and/or AWS.
• Hybrid infrastructure and identity security assessments.
• Red Team engagements and adversary simulation.
• Wireless network security assessments.
• Infrastructure vulnerability research and exploit development.
• Python, PowerShell or Bash scripting for security testing and automation.
• Experience with security testing tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit or equivalent.
• Experience contributing to penetration testing methodologies, technical quality assurance and peer review.
• Knowledge of NCSC guidance, CREST methodologies and wider security testing standards.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Current NCSC CHECK Team Leader status for Infrastructure Penetration Testing is essential.
• Relevant recognised technical qualifications supporting CHECK Team Leader status.
• Additional CREST, OffSec, GIAC or equivalent penetration testing certifications would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This role would suit an experienced infrastructure penetration tester who enjoys combining hands-on technical security testing with engagement leadership and customer consultancy. You'll work across a broad range of complex customer environments, delivering meaningful security assessments and helping organisations understand and address their security risks. You'll also play an important role in developing UBDS's security testing capability, supporting other consultants, improving technical standards and contributing to the continued growth of our Cyber Security services.

Benefits

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability. UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

• Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more.
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
• Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
• Contributed Pension Scheme.
• Death in service cover.

About UBDS Group

At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.